So many times I am asked what new bands I like. To be honest for a while there wasn’t much for my personal tastes. Lot’s of aggression but not much in the way of songs. For me if it’s hard rock or metal I MUST like the singer and the music must have some sense of melody to it. It’s one of the reasons I don’t care for death or extreme metal. I can appreciate the energy, but for me, I don’t hear songs and not a fan of “cookie monster” voices. I’ve NEVER faked liking a band because everyone said I should or they were the new hip thing. That trend for me goes all the way back to being a little kid. Which is why I was routinely made fun of for liking bands like Kiss and others when they were very much thought of as “uncool”. But I must say I am very encouraged by some of the new stuff coming down the pike. There is this trend of no nonsense straight up riff based hard rock by a whole new generation of young bands. Essentially bands with members in their 20’s that sound like they are from 1973! Anti Mortem. Scorpion Child, Kyng, Monster Truck, Rival Sons, Witchcraft, and many others have recently peaked my interest. I don’t know which if any will come out of the pack and it’s too soon to see which will develop into truly great bands that stand the test of time. But at a time when hard rock and metal needs a new Appetite For Destruction to kick everyone’s ass and shake things up and help bring back rock, there are some strong signs on the horizon. I am rooting for all these guys and you will hear many on my radio shows sprinkled among the classics. New and classic rock acts still very much needs your help to break through. So keep an eye out for this stuff and spread the word if you like it. Hopefully one of them really hits and puts a charge in a fairly stagnant world lately for new hard rock bands.
What have you heard new you like? As always comments welcomed and encouraged here!
PS: I no doubt forgot others that I like. Perhaps the biggest challenge we have with so much music so available so easily is navigating what’s out there and remembering it! Another reason I still love CDs. Much easier to keep in your line of site when it’s a physical item vs an easily lost download, file or link.
132 Responses
I know this band isn’t made up of newcomers, but the band itself is new – Winery Dogs are simply amazing… great harmonies, songwriting, guitar playing, vocals… this band literally has it ALL, so much potential there. I was really looking forward to a Portnoy/Sheehan project but Kotzen was the unexpected surprise here. What a talent and looking forward to seeing them both live and on TMS in the future. And, of course, thank YOU Eddie for helping put that band together. One of the best bands and albums to emerge in the last 10 years at least.
Never heard of them…haha. Thanks!
Turned on to Dead Daisies via your show. Love that record (came with an issue of Classic Rock mag!). Also, Beware Of Darkness picks up where Jet left off. Can’t forget Blackberry Smoke.
Hey Eddie… we are all about the old school metal sound with hard driving riffs and melodic vocals. CAN you PLEASE check us out at http://www.reverbnation.com/centerlink and let us know what you think. Hope you enjoy the tunes……
Love Rival Sons, my favorite “new” band of the past few years. Head Down and Pressure and Time are both excellent albums. It’s too bad there aren’t too many (any?) radio formats that will play new rock music (from new or established bands). I’d love to program a radio station and bring rock back. There is good stuff out there.
Rock needs more voices like Eddie. Unfortunately, there aren’t many others with the knowledge or passion he has that have stepped up.
Eddie,
I totally agree with your point about CDs and physical media.
I’m old school, and purchase my music on commercial pressed CDs & DVDs. I must have the best audio quality, packaging, and liner notes. No inferior downloads for me.
My problem today is lack of “record” stores. I’m in the Chicago area, and there are hardly any more places to browse for music. So many bands I discovered were from free samplers (like Concrete Corner) or hearing something new being played by the store clerk.
I like supporting the artists, so keep the recommendations coming!